> 
>
> Would also consider one of the later Trimble derivatives.
Yes, it's a very nice, light-weight instrument, excellent for packing in. I've had an Elta 50 for twenty years that continues to produce very good quality measurements. Love the Zeiss optics.
I also have mine on a Leica GST-20-9 tripod, which was a step down from the Zeiss tripod that it replaced.
I love everything about it - tangent screws where they should be - funky looking - yes I want one.
And if you endorse it, so much the better. The single axis compensator doesn't bother you?
> I love everything about it - tangent screws where they should be - funky looking - yes I want one.
> And if you endorse it, so much the better. The single axis compensator doesn't bother you?
No, not at all. The compensator is easy to adjust and, once adjusted, the instrument can be leveled very well on both axes just as one would with a sensitive tubular plate vial. The collimation adjustment is quick and easy, too.
For control measurements, I always measure angles on both faces, so the lack of dual-axis compensation doesn't really have much effect on results.
The smooth operation of the compensator in levelling the instrument is vastly superior to that in the new Topkkia CX 105 that I bought last year for its reflectorless ranging capability. The Topkkia is jerky and balky. After using the Zeiss layout of adjustment knobs, the Japanese ritualistic pattern (we do it that way because that is the way it has always been done) is annoying in a way that just doesn't ever go away. Zeiss is just an island of rational design.
The compensator is easy to adjust and, once adjusted, the instrument can be leveled very well on both axes just as one would with a sensitive tubular plate vial. The collimation adjustment is quick and easy, too.
Good to know.
Ebay is coming up empty right now
> Ebay is coming up empty right now
I wouldn't rule out the blue version of the Elta 50 that Trimble put their badge on. Some them have a reflectorless ranging capability that would be handy.
The nicest Elta 50 cases are the old Zeiss split cases with canvas carrying strap that the early Eltas were sold with. Those got cheapened later with another design, naturally.
There's one on eBay
There's one on eBay
>> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zeiss-Elta-R50-Total-Station-/171044410232?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d30a9378br >
Yeah, I saw that instrument the other day on eBay and wondered what its story was. It's in San Marcos, about 30 miles South of Austin. The $3000 that the seller is asking is, of course, too much.
There's one on eBay
> >> http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zeiss-Elta-R50-Total-Station-/171044410232?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27d30a9378br >>
> Yeah, I saw that instrument the other day on eBay and wondered what its story was. It's in San Marcos, about 30 miles South of Austin. The $3000 that the seller is asking is, of course, too much.
Yes, I've seen them go for $1000 or less, and rarely more than $1500. Another part of their attraction.
There's one on eBay
> Yes, I've seen them go for $1000 or less, and rarely more than $1500. Another part of their attraction.
Realistically, $1500 is probably top dollar for an Elta 50R in very good condition.
Well, You Are Not Getting Mine!
I have a reflectorless Trimble 3306. I used a non reflectorless Elta while my unit was back at the factory.
In addition to the relectorless option I prefer the Trimble because the data collector connection does not stick out. It may be time for another new battery. It came with two and when they stopped holding an all day charge I bought one replacement. That one cost $76 so I would not even think of recelling, but would be more comfortable with another new one now. The originals still hold a couple of hour charge and I can fit all three into the case, along with my data collector (in the battery charger slot), field book, mini prism, mini prism rod and a plumb bob. I have had mine for 12 years.
Paul in PA
Well, You Are Not Getting Mine!
Long ago, Stanley Trent bundled his HP48 SMI data collection package with a blue Zeiss R50 and sold the package for $5995. It was a great deal at the time - hell, it would be a great deal today! I bought the whole package from him and used it for many years, only selling it to get a reflectorless gun. The guy I sold it to still uses it daily. I agree that it was/is a great little instrument.
If you are still looking I am looking to sell this instrument. I purchased it while living in Colorado and used it for one year. It is in very good shape. Let me know if you are interested. I live in upstate New York.
Sdulovich,
If you still have that Elta 50, I'd be interested in purchasing it.
Yes I still have the instrument, tripod, rod & prism. please email me at
[email protected] and we can discuss price.
If anyone is interested I have a hp 48gX, SMI CVCE v5 card, memory card,
2 Zeiss cables, and an enviro case for the 48. Price negotiable.
Send an email through this site.
Scott